Founder’s Day

February 8, 2023

Historic portrait of Pauline Agassiz Shaw

Every February, we hold an annual celebration of the School’s visionary founder, Pauline Agassiz Shaw. We share the history, stories, and images of over 140 years at America’s first trade school, while celebrating the individual stories of our community of makers, builders, and craftspeople.

This year, we’ll host in-person festivities for our students and amplify the fun across social media. Follow @nbssboston Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter in the weeks leading up to the event for historic stories, images, and a weekly trivia contest—with prizes!
 
Learn more about Pauline, the history of NBSS, and previous Founder’s Day celebrations below.

About Pauline Agassiz Shaw

Born on February 6, 1841, Pauline Agassiz Shaw was a pioneering philanthropist, educator, and social reformer who significantly impacted not only our community, but also the history of Boston and the nation. Her many accomplishments include opening the country’s first kindergartens, funding the suffragette movement, and developing settlement houses to help immigrants adjust to their new country. In addition, she founded America’s first trade school, whose mission lives on today through our unique training, programs, and community at NBSS.

Questions about Founder’s Day?

Contact ndowner@nbss.edu or 617.227.0155 x172.